Apostolic Churches

We started to gather in a retreat centre the mountains north of Madrid late Friday afternoon. While the majority travelled the short distance from Madrid city centre by bus, others came from churches as far afield as Valencia, Huercal Overa, Portugal & England. This was a ‘church retreat’ with a difference, with Guy & Heather Miller (Commission) and Lee & Stacey Yarbrough (Nuevas Fronteras Mexico) ministering to us.

I am somewhat nervous to use the term apostolic. While believing in the biblical concept the fear of
being seen as hyping it up or conjuring up a wrong image of some white suited church guru/healer, means I tend to be cautious in its use. However, apostolic seems by far the most appropriate description of the ministry that we received during the weekend and its use is deliberate.

The churches represented received solid, biblical teaching, which was easily accessible and deeply relevant. It was highly interactive and fun with important themes covered from; Christ the Saviour, prayer, being with and reaching the lost in our culture, the tests of a red hot church. Above all we were encouraged and strengthened in our corporate mission together. Also included were seminars for both men and women, which were very punchy and practical in their impact.

However probably the most striking element was how it flowed easily from teaching into prophecy. We received significant words for Spain, for the churches involved as well as for individual members. It was one of the most significant displays of ‘word’ and ‘Spirit’ working powerfully together that I have witnessed as a Christian. It meant it was fast paced and highly impactful and, I believe, left many feeling excited at the prospect of being part of an ‘apostolic’ movement of churches.

In a period when Newfrontiers (our family of churches) has moved towards a variety of different spheres, it was refreshing to have Guy & Lee (leaders of different spheres) serving, preaching and prophesying together. It was a good model for all concerned and very effective in its apostolic impact.